For the minimalist runner that is looking for a trail running shoe that provides a small heel to toe drop while allowing for protection under foot, the Vertical K is the shoe for you. Weighing in at 6.9 oz., this shoe will keep you fast and light without sacrificing performance. For traction, the Vertical K has an extremely sticky rubber compound, Frixion XF, made by La Sportiva that provides amazing grip on rocky surfaces and technical terrain. For the trail racer that wants to shave every ounce possible on race day, without sacraficing performance, the men's LaSportiva Vertical K Running Shoe will keep your feet on the trail while keeping you light and fast.

* This product does not qualify for shipping to all countries.

Features

New MorphoDynamic midsole to reduce weight and promote natural flex

Sticky FriXion XF rubber outsole on the MorphoDynamic waves for traction and grip

Decent shoe...This is definitely one to try on though before you buy.Not a shoe for narrow feet, which is not the norm for La Sportiva. The entire shoe seems a bit too "shifty"...very malleable I guess you could say...which begins to hurt/fatigue after many miles of mountain running. I do believe that the concept is close with this shoe and it would benefit tremendously from a lightweight rock plate to add a bit of substance to the midsole. That said, I anxiously await the Helios...

1. Traction - VERY STICKY RUBBER! I don't think I've ever had a shoe with better traction.2. Lightweight3. Flexible - in the forefoot anyway, but not so flexible in the rear of the foot - like if you try to twist the shoe length-wise. I like a shoe that bends around everything you step on. This is pretty good, but not outstanding.4. No Rock Plate - YAY! Everyone's putting rock plates in their trail shoes and you lose the feel for the ground and rock plates make the shoes feel rock hard. They should call them "rock hard plates". Thank you for not putting one in this shoe!5. I actually like the smooth cover over the shoe. Very clean look, nice not having the laces exposed.

What I'm a little disappointed in is:

1. Width - These are quite tight in the forefoot.

2. Cushioning - Don't get me wrong, it's not bad at all. I'd call this semi-soft, but not as soft as some Nike's. However, before purchasing these, I read a review saying the cushioning was "marshmellow soft". Well, that guy's marshmellows must have been pretty stale. That's why I was a little disappointed. I wanted marshmellow soft cushioning. :-)

What I'm neutral on is:

1. 4mm drop - I have been running in some minimalist shoes and would definitely prefer 0mm heel drop, but 4mm is tolerable.

2. Tall midsole - this is good for providing cushioning and protection, but adds a little instability because you're up a bit high. I'd be totally happy with it if these were zero drop, but it's fine, not a big deal.

3. Fairly good feel for the ground. Not as good as the Nike Free or some of the minimalist shoes but way better than a traditional trail running shoe.

All in all - happy with 'em. They would be perfect with zero drop and a wide forefoot.